The season of Advent is all about time: the past, the present, and the future.
Advent proclaims: Jesus came! Yes, he came over 2,000 years ago, born of a young Jewish woman named Mary in the small town of Bethehem. For about 33 years or so, he walked the dusty roads of Galilee in sandaled feet, living and healing and teaching a message of love, service, forgiveness, and trust in God.
Advent announces: Jesus comes! Not only did he come into the world of first-century Palestine, he comes into our world right here, right now! He walks among us still. How? Here are just a few ways: in the scripture that is proclaimed at every Mass and that we ponder throughout our lives… in the believing community gathered together in prayer and service of one another… in the Eucharistic Bread we receive at every Mass. Other ways where Jesus is present include: in the poor and needy in our midst… in the loving relationships we form with each other… in the service we give to one another… in the beauty, mystery, and power of creation… in the tears and laughter we share with one another.
Advent also promises: Jesus will come again! This man from Galilee, this Emmanuel, will return in the fulness of time, drawling all things unto himself. And before that ultimate return, Jesus will come for each one of us as we transition from this earthly life, through death, and into heavenly glory.
These three comings of Jesus can give us a framework for our prayer this Advent. First, let us take time to reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation, that is, the mystery of God himself becoming a human being. We might ask ourselves, Why did God become a human being? Ultimately, the answer is love. As we read in John 3:16: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Som, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” But as we look around at the world today, we still see so much pain, sorrow, violence, hatred, injustice, and cruelty. The Incarnation did not take away the ugliness of sin in our world. Rather the Incarnation gives us the power to burrow deeply into our world and find the love and beauty and goodness present there. More importantly, the Incarnation gives us the strength, courage, and hope to add our own little bit of love, goodness, and beauty each day.
Second, let us reflect on the ways Jesus comes into our lives. We find Jesus primarily in the people we relate to–those we are bonded to in love and friendship as well as casual neighbors, co-workers, acquaintances and even strangers who enter our lives “by chance.” May we take time to really see people… to listen to them… to respect them… to encourage them … learn from them … and find ways to serve them.
And third, this Advent we might take a little time to reflect upon our own death–whether we think death is near or far in the future. We can do this by raising questions such as these: Are there things I still hope to do before I die? What’s preventing me from doing them now? Are there individuals I would like to see again, have a good conversation with, write a letter to, ask questions of, or be reconciled with? Is there something I’d like to give away before I die?
Advent celebrates the three comings of Jesus. May we find ways to ponder those comings as we prepare for the Celebration of Christmas 2025. Happy Adventing to all of you!
For reflection:
Did any words stand out for you in today’s reflection?
Does Advent mean anything special to you?
Is there any practice you would like to do during these few weeks before Christmas?
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ANNOUNCING: My new booklet, Walking with Mary Through Light and Darkness, is now available at Twenty-Third Publications and Amazon. The 32-page booklet is a collection of reflections on Mary’s life with questions for reflection, prayers, and suggested videos and art work. It’s listed for $2.95, but lower bulk rates are also available. Hopefully, this booklet will help us to appreciate Mary as “one of us,” and Mary as our mother, sister, companion, and fellow disciple of Jesus. To order contact twenty-Third Publications: 1-800-321-4011 or [email protected]. Also available on Amazon.com.
Our video today is the Advent song, “Beyond the Moon and Stars” by Dan Schutte. It is based on Ps. 84:3: “Even the sparrow finds a home…a place near your altars, Lord, God Almighty.” Some of the phrases that touched me are these: “so great our hunger, Lord, to see your light… We place our hopes and dreams within your hand… You chose to dwell with us in flesh and bone…” For me the song captures the deepest longings of our hearts…
As I spend this week in retreat, I carry all of you in my prayers and in my heart… And, as usual, I invite you to respond below with a comment of your own.
19 Responses
Music the song and reflection was beautiful for the Advent
Season.
Thank you, Melannie! It’s a beautiful reflection for a beautiful season. Congratulations on the publication of your Mary booklet!
Happy Advent, Melannie…
Happy Advent, all…
As usual, your words are beautiful, full of hope, full of possibility, and full of that ultimate mystery we call God. Thank you! Congratulations on your new book! And may you find on your retreat a quiet spot to sit, listen, and pray. Around these parts it’s getting colder, but your words keep us warm.
Thanks for the reflection on death as we begin this Advent Season. Happy Advent to all!
Thank you for the lovely advent reflection. As usual the music was comforting and perfect for the season.
Amen! God Bless you with lots of Light at your retreat.
Giddy up & God Bless
A blessed Advent to you, Melanie, and to all. Your blog is inspirational and the music selection put me in an Advent expectation..
Thank you for this small “retreat” on the first Monday of Advent.
My prayers for a very blessed Advent to you and your Sisters and family,
Thank you for enriching our lives with your words and creativity that we all, so very unique individuals , form a spiritual connection each week.
Praise be God forever!!
Marilyn
Thank you Melannie for another beautiful and inspirational reflection. I always look forward to Advent, a time for quiet prayer and reflection on the gift of God’s son given to us. The anticipation of the season of Christmas is palpable at this time.
I find myself thinking a lot lately about dying and preparing for that. I think it’s because I lost quite a few loved ones over the years at this time and at about the age I am now. The best preparation though I think, is to live each day as if it could be your last and to remember that we are all just longing for eternity at home with Jesus.
Praying for a blessed and peaceful retreat for you Melannie.
I think this fits today:
Allan Boesak
Advent Credo
It is not true that creation and the human family are doomed to destruction and loss—
This is true: For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life;
It is not true that we must accept inhumanity and discrimination, hunger and poverty, death and destruction—
This is true: I have come that they may have life, and that abundantly.
It is not true that violence and hatred should have the last word, and that war and destruction rule forever—
This is true: Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, his name shall be called wonderful councilor, mighty God, the Everlasting, the Prince of peace.
It is not true that we are simply victims of the powers of evil who seek to rule the world—
This is true: To me is given authority in heaven and on earth, and lo I am with you, even until the end of the world.
It is not true that we have to wait for those who are specially gifted, who are the prophets of the Church before we can be peacemakers—
This is true: I will pour out my spirit on all flesh and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions and your old men shall have dreams.
It is not true that our hopes for liberation of humankind, of justice, of human dignity of peace are not meant for this earth and for this history—
This is true: The hour comes, and it is now, that the true worshipers shall worship God in spirit and in truth.
So let us enter Advent in hope, even hope against hope. Let us see visions of love and peace and justice. Let us affirm with humility, with joy, with faith, with courage: Jesus Christ—the life of the world.
From Walking on Thorns, by Allan Boesak, Eerdmans, 2004.
Suzanne, I have used this prayer many times during talks and retreats I’ve given–especially on hope. I believe the author is Fr. Daniel Berrigan, SJ. Perhaps Allan Boesak used it in his book. Whoever the author, it is a powerful prayer. Thank you for sharing it. Melannie
Sr Melannie,
A perfect reflection to practice all of advent! Advent has always been a time of peace and prayer for me. Your words and encouragement of truly seeing, listening, praying for, and serving others, plus seeing Christ in them will be a theme for me during this time.
Looking forward to your new book and postings on any retreats being offered in 2026.
Blessings on your retreat and many thanks for the weekly humor and encouragement during the year. Perfect way to start each week.
Thank you!
Thank you for this beautiful reflection. Enjoy your retreat.
Sr, Melannie,
You might want to consider using the following video closer to Christmas. Joyce Rouse, “Earth Mama” is a good friend of mine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAAe_ro1Mk4
Sr. Marie, Thank you for introducing me to a new singer–at least for me. I watched her video–and a few others by her. This one is lovely. I’ll keep it in mind. Melannie
Happy Advent dear Sister Melannie, praying for you!
This Advent praying to be more trustworthy of our Lord.
Estrangement in my family very heavy on my heart.
Thanks for all you do!
Last Sunday’s homily spoke of Christ’s coming as “history, mystery and majesty”, similar to your “Jesus came, Jesus comes and Jesus will come again”. Simple words but lots to reflect on during this season of Advent. So many ways to ponder the mystery of the Incarnation and to welcome Jesus into our lives in the here and now.
Thank you, Sr. Melannie, and wishes for a blessed retreat.
Sr. Melanie I have been following your blog for several years and often find it inspires and speaks to my heart. There are times I feel your blog is speaking directly to me. Todays message reminded me to let you know how I look forward to your blog and thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. You are in my prayers and I wish you a special happiness this Advent. carol